One man helps make a difference in lives of needy

Fran Heitzman, 87, of Bloomington, is living proof that one man can make a major difference in the lives of the needy.

This month, Bridging, which he founded, celebrates its 25th anniversary of connecting the haves with gently used furniture and household items to those who need them in the Twin Cities area.

Sixty thousand families have received beds, chairs, pots, pans and lamps through this amazing bridge, involving 6,000 volunteers who help with the day-to-day operations.

Those in need of household items apply through 140 agencies that process their requests and direct them to the two warehouses from where the items are delivered for the clients without charge. (The agency pays the delivery charge.)

For example, last year the Salvation Army referred 784 clients to Bridging. After the tornado hit North Minneapolis, Bridging helped 94 households.

Volunteers, who are the equivalent of 39 employees, make this network of receiving and giving work.

Donors can either bring household items directly to the warehouse, or volunteers will pick up the furniture at a charge of $75 for an outside pickup and $150 for an inside job. Twenty-three paid employees drive 11 trucks and move around five semi-trailers where people can donate furniture.

This operation has a budget of $2 million, funded with grants, corporate donations, service charges and from individuals.

Heitzman, who had a quintuple bypass 16 years ago, is the founder and the inspiration for Bridging, which he says bridges the haves and the have-nots.

Heitzman said he doesn’t have any money but is the richest man on the earth. He adds that seeing families, particularly little children, receive the furniture they need is his reward.

Heitzman began Bridging when as a maintenance man at Pax Christi Catholic church in Eden Prairie someone brought a used crib and he found a use for it. From that simple beginning, Bridging has become the largest furniture bank in North America, and that’s cause for a celebration.